Malcolm Cox

Malcolm Cox

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Malcolm Cox episodes

  • S1: “Much-Needed Mercy”, Psalm 123, Sermon for the Watford church of Christ
    Introduction, v3-4

    Question: “Can you think of people in the Bible who were treated with contempt/ridicule (who did not deserve it)?”

    “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10–12 NIV11)

    ‘mercy’, Hebrew: hanan = compassion for the miserable; take pity; be kind; implies acts of kindness, not simply feelings of pity.

    1. Look with confidence, v1
    Question: “Who do you think of as the ultimate victorious person?”

    A. Seated
    “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2)

    B. Jesus, Ephesians 1.20
    “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 1:19–23 NIV11)

    Look with patience, v2
    Question: Who do you know you can count on?
    A. Decision to look
    “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11)
    B. Attentive
    Question: “What do you think the psalmist means by using this slave metaphor?”
    “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. ”” (Luke 18:1–8 NIV11)
    “Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:1–3 NIV11)

    Conclusion, vv3-4
    Move from conceptual to the personal - “the LORD” to “LORD have mercy”

    Question: “When have you felt the need for God’s mercy most acutely?”

    A. Show mercy as an imitation of the heart of God
    “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

    B. Anticipate your relief
    “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself.All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Cor 4:7–18

    Fix eyes on Jesus
    “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb 12:1–3

    “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25 NIV11)

    "Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:34–39 NIV11)

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

    If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

    God bless, Malcolm

    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

    mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 
    32 min
  • S1 Ep178: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 178, Psalm 127v3-4
    "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 178, Psalm 127v3-4

    You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

    They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

    “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

    Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

    Children are a gift, not an achievement.  This is a contrast to the anxious work condemned above. “The entire miracle of procreation and reproduction requires our participation, but hardly in the form of what we call our work.”  Peterson, Obedience, 110.

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

    If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

    God bless, Malcolm

    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

    mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 
    7 min
  • S1 Ep178: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 178, Psalm 127v3-4
    "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 178, Psalm 127v3-4

    You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

    They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

    “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

    Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

    Children are a gift, not an achievement.  This is a contrast to the anxious work condemned above. “The entire miracle of procreation and reproduction requires our participation, but hardly in the form of what we call our work.”  Peterson, Obedience, 110.

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

    If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

    God bless, Malcolm

    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

    mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 
    7 min
  • S1 Ep45: "Spiritual lessons from VE day", Newsletter Episode 45
    Victory can be a strange friend. Who doesn't want to be victorious? I have won a few things in my time. The odd singing competition, a go-kart race, a football trophy. I enjoyed each one. However, the aftermath is interesting. Am I defined by those victories? How do I handle the next time I am not victorious? What do I do with the anticlimax afterwards?

    As of the day of writing, yesterday was VE day. In fact, the 75th anniversary.  Bunting and flags adorned many houses on the street around us. Yesterday, neighbours were having tea and cake in the front gardens talking to each other with appropriate social distancing. One young girl was having her own tea party on the front lawn dressed as the Queen. Very cute!

    My parents are still alive and remember the celebrations. Our neighbour Jan lives opposite us. She is 91 years old. VE day and the celebrations which followed are indelibly marked in her memory. In so many ways victory defined not only that generation, but one which came after it - mine. I was born 16 years after that day. I grew up in the aftermath, or perhaps the afterglow of the victory, but also the challenge of rebuilding and redefining who we were as a nation. It could well be said that the struggle continues even today.

    Now is not the time or place to go into an analysis of the socio-political ramifications of the war. Instead, let's reflect for a few moments on the victory which comes to all of us who have come to know Jesus Christ. We have the ultimate victory. Where does it come from?

    “....thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV11)

    It comes from God himself. Now this is a healthy origin for our victory. In other words, I didn't manufacture this victory myself. It depended upon, and was beautifully gifted to me by a generous God. If victory is going to remain meaningful, it will do so because we recognise it as a gift. Does that mean I have no part to play? 

    “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 NIV11) 

    The word for victory here is 'nikaō' containing not only the traditional concept of victory, but also that of prevailing and overcoming. One aspect to our continued experience of victory in Jesus is that we persevere. Persevere in humility.

    Penny and I watched the BBC celebrations on television last night. The one hour special which preceded the Queen's speech was, to my mind, a healthy balance of celebration, soberness and gratitude. Jingoism was muted. Thankfulness was the tone.  Whatever our position on the rights or wrongs of waging war, it must always be right to reflect on the heroism and sacrifice of the people to whom we owe our freedoms and opportunities.

    In the same way, we take communion every week as a catalyst to gratitude. A reminder that our freedom in Christ was bought at a price.  In such a reminder is not creating us any despondency or guilt. Instead, it refreshes our thankfulness.

    By the end of the programme last night my wife and I were both tearful. I pray that by the end of communion on Sunday, I might go the same. A tear- induced gratitude.

    God bless, Malcolm
    13 min
  • S1 Ep45: "Spiritual lessons from VE day", Newsletter Episode 45
    Victory can be a strange friend. Who doesn't want to be victorious? I have won a few things in my time. The odd singing competition, a go-kart race, a football trophy. I enjoyed each one. However, the aftermath is interesting. Am I defined by those victories? How do I handle the next time I am not victorious? What do I do with the anticlimax afterwards?

    As of the day of writing, yesterday was VE day. In fact, the 75th anniversary.  Bunting and flags adorned many houses on the street around us. Yesterday, neighbours were having tea and cake in the front gardens talking to each other with appropriate social distancing. One young girl was having her own tea party on the front lawn dressed as the Queen. Very cute!

    My parents are still alive and remember the celebrations. Our neighbour Jan lives opposite us. She is 91 years old. VE day and the celebrations which followed are indelibly marked in her memory. In so many ways victory defined not only that generation, but one which came after it - mine. I was born 16 years after that day. I grew up in the aftermath, or perhaps the afterglow of the victory, but also the challenge of rebuilding and redefining who we were as a nation. It could well be said that the struggle continues even today.

    Now is not the time or place to go into an analysis of the socio-political ramifications of the war. Instead, let's reflect for a few moments on the victory which comes to all of us who have come to know Jesus Christ. We have the ultimate victory. Where does it come from?

    “....thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV11)

    It comes from God himself. Now this is a healthy origin for our victory. In other words, I didn't manufacture this victory myself. It depended upon, and was beautifully gifted to me by a generous God. If victory is going to remain meaningful, it will do so because we recognise it as a gift. Does that mean I have no part to play? 

    “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 NIV11) 

    The word for victory here is 'nikaō' containing not only the traditional concept of victory, but also that of prevailing and overcoming. One aspect to our continued experience of victory in Jesus is that we persevere. Persevere in humility.

    Penny and I watched the BBC celebrations on television last night. The one hour special which preceded the Queen's speech was, to my mind, a healthy balance of celebration, soberness and gratitude. Jingoism was muted. Thankfulness was the tone.  Whatever our position on the rights or wrongs of waging war, it must always be right to reflect on the heroism and sacrifice of the people to whom we owe our freedoms and opportunities.

    In the same way, we take communion every week as a catalyst to gratitude. A reminder that our freedom in Christ was bought at a price.  In such a reminder is not creating us any despondency or guilt. Instead, it refreshes our thankfulness.

    By the end of the programme last night my wife and I were both tearful. I pray that by the end of communion on Sunday, I might go the same. A tear- induced gratitude.

    God bless, Malcolm
    13 min
  • S1 Ep177: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 177, Psalm 127v2
    "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 177, Psalm 127v2 

    You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

    They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

    “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

    Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

    Babel is a great example of great endeavour frustrated by God, Gen 11:1-9.  

    The two halves of the Psalm parallel Genesis 11 - the vainglorious building followed by grace of God in giving Terah a family that lasts to this day, Gen 11:24-29. 

    The goal is not to do no work, but to do it without a sinful dependence on self.  We must avoid the mistakes of Babel (ended in confusion) and the Pharisees (hypocritical self-righteousness).  But there is work for Christians to do, 2 Thess 3:11-13 - see example of Paul, 1 Thess 2:9.  

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

    If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

    God bless, Malcolm

    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

    mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 
    7 min
  • S1 Ep177: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 177, Psalm 127v2
    "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 177, Psalm 127v2 

    You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

    They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

    “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

    Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

    Babel is a great example of great endeavour frustrated by God, Gen 11:1-9.  

    The two halves of the Psalm parallel Genesis 11 - the vainglorious building followed by grace of God in giving Terah a family that lasts to this day, Gen 11:24-29. 

    The goal is not to do no work, but to do it without a sinful dependence on self.  We must avoid the mistakes of Babel (ended in confusion) and the Pharisees (hypocritical self-righteousness).  But there is work for Christians to do, 2 Thess 3:11-13 - see example of Paul, 1 Thess 2:9.  

    Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

    Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

    If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

    Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

    “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

    God bless, Malcolm

    PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

    mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 
    7 min
  • S1 Ep180: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 180: "How to cope with 'panxiety'"
    Have you heard of ‘panxiety’?  I heard the term for the first time today. 

    It’s in an article by Rev Will Van Der Hart in Premier Christianity magazine.  It describes the all-too-familiar sense of anxiety caused by the current pandemic. I liked his article and thought I would bring you some of his insights.

    As people of faith we don’t want to give in to fear. However, we also do not wish to be shallow and pretend as if everything is fine. It certainly is not. Last week my old GP died. Doubtless you are connected in some way or other with the trauma of tragedy currently around us.

    So what do we do when our fears feel more potent than our faith? Here are four suggestions. Four suggestions for yourself, but also to help other people.

    1. One day at a time.  Jesus said it best, “...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV11). Hart says, “As tempting as it may be to dig yourself a nuclear fallout bunker in the back garden, don’t!”  Certainly we should be responsible and prepare for the future. However, to be consumed by such preparations is not helpful. Indeed the consequences could be worse than the virus itself. Live today in God’s grace and let that be enough for today.
    2. Take a media break. I check the news two or three times a day. Usually in the morning and evening as well as once during the day. As tempting as it is to keep in touch with 24-hour rolling news, it’s not helpful. For one thing the so-called, “breaking news” is usually not very important, and has been breaking for a long time. When we are anxious we reach out for all kinds of things to give us reassurance. You may think the media will provide such reassurance. That is not their function. As Hart says, “Accept that some media outlets are trying to sell newspapers, not give you a sensible overview of what is happening.” That’s not to say the media is evil as such, nor anything close, but its purpose is not to help you. Consider this scripture - “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear...” (Psalm 112:6–8).  We don’t need to fear bad news, but we also don’t need to overwhelm ourselves with bad news.
    3. Change the subject. Talking to our friends and family is helpful. Communicating is a superb antidote to isolation. However, make sure the conversation is about more than the virus. Focusing on it only leads to greater fear. As Hart says, “You may choose to use a capsule technique and decide that you aren’t going to talk about COVID-19 for more than 30 minutes a day.” Talk about it because it’s real. Just don’t overdo it. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV11) Unwholesome talk is not just gossip, slander or malicious conversation, it can also be about things which are simply not helping us.
    4. Prayer-trigger. Why not allow thoughts and anxieties about the COVID virus situation to be triggers to pray.  As Hart says, “Try to make every consideration about this illness a prompt to speak to your heavenly Father.”  These verses from Philippians are familiar to us. They are oft quoted and helpful: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  But then there is another step which may follow on from such prayerfulness. Our thinking changes. We will need to decide to think differently, but God will help us: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4–9 NIV11)

    5. I am grateful for the article in the magazine, and I shall be reviewing these four tips for myself. Which ones help you? What questions do you have about how to handle your anxieties? Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

      Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

      If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

      Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

      “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

      God bless, Malcolm

      PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

      mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,
      18 min
    6. S1 Ep180: Quiet Time Coaching Episode 180: "How to cope with 'panxiety'"
      Have you heard of ‘panxiety’?  I heard the term for the first time today. 

      It’s in an article by Rev Will Van Der Hart in Premier Christianity magazine.  It describes the all-too-familiar sense of anxiety caused by the current pandemic. I liked his article and thought I would bring you some of his insights.

      As people of faith we don’t want to give in to fear. However, we also do not wish to be shallow and pretend as if everything is fine. It certainly is not. Last week my old GP died. Doubtless you are connected in some way or other with the trauma of tragedy currently around us.

      So what do we do when our fears feel more potent than our faith? Here are four suggestions. Four suggestions for yourself, but also to help other people.

      1. One day at a time.  Jesus said it best, “...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV11). Hart says, “As tempting as it may be to dig yourself a nuclear fallout bunker in the back garden, don’t!”  Certainly we should be responsible and prepare for the future. However, to be consumed by such preparations is not helpful. Indeed the consequences could be worse than the virus itself. Live today in God’s grace and let that be enough for today.
      2. Take a media break. I check the news two or three times a day. Usually in the morning and evening as well as once during the day. As tempting as it is to keep in touch with 24-hour rolling news, it’s not helpful. For one thing the so-called, “breaking news” is usually not very important, and has been breaking for a long time. When we are anxious we reach out for all kinds of things to give us reassurance. You may think the media will provide such reassurance. That is not their function. As Hart says, “Accept that some media outlets are trying to sell newspapers, not give you a sensible overview of what is happening.” That’s not to say the media is evil as such, nor anything close, but its purpose is not to help you. Consider this scripture - “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear...” (Psalm 112:6–8).  We don’t need to fear bad news, but we also don’t need to overwhelm ourselves with bad news.
      3. Change the subject. Talking to our friends and family is helpful. Communicating is a superb antidote to isolation. However, make sure the conversation is about more than the virus. Focusing on it only leads to greater fear. As Hart says, “You may choose to use a capsule technique and decide that you aren’t going to talk about COVID-19 for more than 30 minutes a day.” Talk about it because it’s real. Just don’t overdo it. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV11) Unwholesome talk is not just gossip, slander or malicious conversation, it can also be about things which are simply not helping us.
      4. Prayer-trigger. Why not allow thoughts and anxieties about the COVID virus situation to be triggers to pray.  As Hart says, “Try to make every consideration about this illness a prompt to speak to your heavenly Father.”  These verses from Philippians are familiar to us. They are oft quoted and helpful: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  But then there is another step which may follow on from such prayerfulness. Our thinking changes. We will need to decide to think differently, but God will help us: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:4–9 NIV11)

      5. I am grateful for the article in the magazine, and I shall be reviewing these four tips for myself. Which ones help you? What questions do you have about how to handle your anxieties? Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

        Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

        If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

        Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

        “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

        God bless, Malcolm

        PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

        mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox,
        18 min
      6. S1 Ep176: "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 176, Psalm 127v1
        "Psalms of Ascent Series", Quiet Time Coaching: Episode 176, Psalm 127v1 

        You have found a daily podcast based on the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). 

        They are designed to help our hearts and minds being a healthy place while the Covid 19 virus does its worst. 

        “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4 NIV11) 

        Each day we will meditate on a verse or two from these wonderful Psalms as we make our pilgrimage from confusion to hope, pain to peace, anxiety to joy. 

        "127 covers three areas of human activity and potential anxiety—the house, the city (1) and the family (3-5)—and affirms that without the Lord we can do nothing." New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Edited by Carson, D. A, R. T France, J. A. Motyer, and Gordon J. Wenham. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.1. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1994.

        The only one of the Psalms of Ascent to be composed by Solomon.
        As Kidner notes, “...like much of Solomon’s wisdom, the lessons of this Psalm, relevant as they are to his situation, were mostly lost on him.”  Kidner, Ps, 440. See 1 King 9:10-19 (building), 1 King 11:7ff. (kingdom and marriages). 
        Vital we pay attention to living what we preach, 1 Cor 9:27-10:2.  See also James 1:22-25.

        Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

        Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [email protected].

        If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

        Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

        “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

        God bless, Malcolm

        PS: You might also be interested in my book: "An elephant's swimming pool", a devotional look at the Gospel of John

        mccx, Malcolm Cox, Watford, Croxley Green, teaching, preaching, spiritual disciplines, public speaking, corporate worship, Sunday Sample, Corporate Worship Matters, Tuesday Teaching Tips, Quiet Time Coaching, coaching, coaching near me, coach, online coaching, savior, quiet time, devotion, God, Jesus, Pray, prayer, malcolm’s, cox, 
        7 min

      About Malcolm Cox

      From the publisher's feed

      Malcolm Cox. Enjoying communicating the depth & relevance of the Bible to life today. Author of 'An Elephant's Swimming Pool' about John's gospel. For theology and spirituality see: